Board reviews prefab addition concept for Fire Station 1 as alternative to costly renovation

Fire leadership and the district's design team presented a concept to address aging living quarters at Fire Station 1, weighing renovation of the existing structure against a detached prefabricated addition. The concept—developed by RS&H (design representative Tino present)—would locate a pre-engineered metal building adjacent to the existing station, linked by breezeways and with independent HVAC and targeted upgrades for living quarters and dormitories.

Designers said the addition accommodates eight sleeping rooms plus decontamination showers and would meet ADA and operational needs without triggering full-building system upgrades (for example, sprinklers would be limited to the addition rather than retrofitting the existing facility). Directors asked whether doors, hardware and door swing for egress/response would create code triggers; the design team said the concept keeps most existing openings and would replace hardware where required for response.

Budget and lifecycle planning dominated discussion. One director noted that a $2.5 million renovation could leave the district needing another expensive remodel later; the prefabricated approach was presented as a way to add useful space and control costs. Christian J. Hein (district manager) explained that staff will return Monday asking for conceptual approval so RS&H can be asked to develop full design plans and a contract modification with cost estimates.

Next steps: board will consider a motion Monday to approve the concept and direct staff to return a contract amendment/price with design details for further approval.